The Ciccone Agency: Where Personal Service and Smart Coverage Go Hand-in-Hand

In a time when service often feels impersonal and digital, one Brooklyn-based insurance agency stands apart by delivering the kind of support you don’t usually expect—unless you know AJ Ciccone.

As the owner of The Ciccone Agency, AJ leads a team that’s been serving the Brooklyn community for over 40 years. What started with his father in an Allstate office inside a Sears department store has grown into a trusted insurance hub known for going the extra mile.

 

From Family Roots to Industry Leadership

The Ciccone name has deep roots in the insurance world. AJ’s grandfather was an agent. His father followed suit in 1979. AJ, however, started his career in technology. After working for PepsiCo and then selling life insurance with MetLife, AJ joined the family business— eventually purchasing and rebranding it in 2016 to create The Ciccone Agency.

But this wasn’t just a simple handoff. AJ brought a new perspective and energy, embracing modern marketing, expanding the client base, and opening a new location in South Park Slope. Nine years later, the agency continues to grow, including the recent acquisition of a second office in New Jersey, run by his wife, who also holds her insurance licenses.

 

What They Do (And Why It Matters)

The Ciccone Agency offers a full suite of insurance services across New York and New Jersey, focusing on:

• Homeowners Insurance (single-family homes, condos, co-ops)
• Auto Insurance
• Renters Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Planning Solutions

While anyone can provide a policy, AJ’s agency prides itself on something much more important—guidance and clarity during the moments that matter most.

“The insurance process can be confusing,” AJ explains. “What sets us apart is that we’re here when it really counts—during claims.  We walk people through the chaos and help them understand their coverage  before it’s too late.”

That hands-on approach has clearly paid off. The agency has earned over 600 five-star reviews and has consistently ranked among Allstate’s top agencies in New York.

 

Customer Service That Feels Like Family

Whether it’s helping a family protect their first home or providing guidance after a major accident, the Ciccone team is known for delivering thoughtful, personal support.

Take, for example, the time a former teacher from AJ’s alma mater walked into the office looking for basic renters insurance. AJ convinced him to sign up. Two weeks later, that man lost everything in an apartment fire—but because of AJ’s persistence, he was fully covered. The policy cost him just $30. The payout? Over $80,000.

“He walked into our office covered in smoke with nothing but the clothes on his back,” AJ remembers. “We got him settled, called claims together, and made  sure everything was handled.”

It’s stories like that that keep AJ and his team grounded. “We act like translators. Our job is to explain insurance clearly—what’s covered, what’s not, and how to close the gaps.”

 

A Team That Grows Together

The Ciccone Agency is built on loyalty and trust. Key team member Michael Vastardis has been with the agency for over 30 years, originally hired by AJ’s father. He’s become such a fixture that many clients assume he owns the place.

“That’s how much trust people have in him,” AJ says. “And that’s exactly the culture I want—one where clients feel known and employees feel valued.”

That culture is reflected in the agency’s flexible, respectful work environment. AJ avoids micromanaging and supports work-life balance for his team, believing that happy employees lead to better client experiences.

 

Community First, Always

The Ciccone Agency has grown organically through word-of-mouth referrals, BNI networking, and long-standing relationships with mortgage brokers and real estate agents. AJ believes this method brings in the right kind of clients—those who see the value in service and are looking for more than the cheapest quote.

His advice to consumers? “Don’t just compare policies by price. Insurance needs evolve. What you had when you were 25 and single probably doesn’t fit your life at 40 with kids and a home.”

And it’s that consultative approach that’s earned the agency both industry accolades and customer loyalty. AJ’s proudest professional moment came in 2017, when he was honored as Allstate’s #1 Agency in New York State—a moment he shared by walking the stage with his father.

 

The Bottom Line

From helping a client recover after a fire to advising a first-time homeowner, The Ciccone Agency provides more than policies—it provides peace of mind. AJ puts it simply:

“Having the right coverage is no accident.”

For those looking for a responsive, transparent, and people-first insurance agency, The Ciccone Agency continues to be a trusted name in Brooklyn and beyond.